The Middle Years

Abstract

Is middle age a chronologic age, a biologic stage, a state of mind, or does it include elements of all three? The definition of this term frequently depends upon the person, the time, and the place in which it is used. Sometimes middle age refers to one portion of a simple chronologic age range, most frequently being from 40 to 60 years. At other times it refers to a change in role status or in career and family relationships, such as empty nest or mentor role. No physiologic events delineate this time, except perhaps the menopause, and there are no official rites of passage except perhaps the fortieth birthday party at the beginning and job retirement at the end.

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References

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